The Department of Energy said households using natural gas will pay 15 percent more than last year, while those who use heating oil will pay 19 percent more.

Increasing costs, coupled with a slow economy and worries about cuts to programs that assist people in need, are causing some anxiety. Southern New Hampshire Services, which helps families get fuel assistance, said it has already received more than 8,000 applications for help.

"We always urge people to come in now," said Louise Bergeron, director of Southern New Hampshire Services, which serves Hillsborough and Rockingham counties. "Don't wait until you are in the crisis. Don't put your family through that. Don't put yourself through that."

Despite fears of budget cuts, the organization expects to get the same level of funding as last year. But rising fuel costs could hit its clients hard.

"As the price of fuel goes up, their benefit buys less and less, which means by January or February, we have people coming in who have used up their allotment, and they still need help," Bergeron said. "That's when it gets very difficult to help them."

Chad Gordon, 21, was applying for assistance. He said he lost his father three months ago and is now left with the rent and all the bills at the apartment they once shared.

"I am just taking care of where he left off, doing my best, working not a lot of hours but good enough, I guess," Gordon said. "I get help here and there."

Gordon said he's having trouble paying for electricity, and he knows that without fuel assistance, things could get worse.

"I would struggle a lot," he said. "My electricity would probably get shut off. I'd probably be on the streets, living paycheck to paycheck."

Bergeron said many people are facing similar situations and choosing what to cut back on to get by.

"Some people cut out what they eat," she said. "Some cut short prescriptions, travel -- different things people cut to make sure they don't freeze."

Southern New Hampshire Services said it hopes to let those who qualify for aid know before December.